Monthly Archives: May 2014

Male Hypogonadism

2014-05-27

Male hypogonadism is where the testes do not produce enough testosterone (mayoclinic.org). You can be born with it or it can develop due to infection or injury. The kind you are born with can effect growth and development during puberty. Later on in life it can effect sperm production. How it is treated depends upon what stage of life it occurred and what caused it. Testosterone replacement therapy may be appropriate for certain types of male hypogonadism. During development in the fetus, if not enough testosterone is produced it can impede male sex organ growth. This may cause the development of female genitalia, ambiguous genitals or underdeveloped male genitalia. During puberty male hypogonadism may decrease muscle mass development, delay the deepening of the voice, impede testicle and penis growth, obstruct the growth of body hair and breast tissue known as gynecomastia may develop. In adults hypogonadism may cause physical and reproductive side effects. These include infertility, erectile dysfunction, decreased body or facial hair, lower muscle mass, osteoporosis or bone loss and gynecomastia or the development of breast tissue. Emotional and mental changes can also occur similar to menopause in women such as lower libido, fatigue, hot flashes and trouble concentrating.

If you feel like you have this condition or even a few of the symptoms see your physician right away. Finding the cause is the first step. There are two kinds, primary and secondary hypogonadism. In the primary variety, the problem originates in the testicles where testosterone is produced. In the secondary type, the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus may be the culprit. This is the gland and the part of the brain that signals the testes to produce testosterone. Whatever the type, the results are the same, whether it be congenital hypogonadism or when someone is born with the condition, or acquired hypogonadism as the result of infection or injury. Causes for primary hyopgonadism include undescended testicles, a mumps infection, hemochromatosis or too much iron in the blood, an injury to the testicles themselves, chemo and radiation therapy. For the secondary variety, causes include pituitary disorders, Kallmann syndrome or a development of the hypothalamus considered abnormal, HIV/AIDS, chronic inflammation due to an infection, obesity, chronic illness, normal aging and certain medications. Your primary healthcare provider will give you an exam. Possible tests that may be administered include a semen analysis, hormone testing, genetic tests or even a testicular biopsy. As for treatment there are patches, gels, injections, and hormone replacement therapy. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of hypogonadism.

Foods that Damage your Sexual Health

All of the chemicals and toxins in the environment, especially in the food we eat can damage a man’s sexual health (askmen.com). They also speed up the aging process and make it harder to lose excess fat. The trouble is most men don’t even know they are being affected. Are you experiencing the following symptoms: lowered sex drive, food cravings, digestive problems, weird mood swings, stubborn fat, constipation, allergies, sugar levels that spike or drop precipitously, or blood lipids that are out-of-control? If you are experiencing a few or many of these ailments, it may be coming from the foods you eat. Pharmaceutical and food companies are mostly to blame. Processed foods, supplements, water and air pollution and foods which are commercially grown, particularly dairy and meat, are the culprits. The toxins and chemicals these foods are laden with include lead, aluminum, mercury and other heavy metals, genetically modified foods (GMOs) that can change your DNA, residues for hormones and antibiotics and even xenoestrogens from herbicides, fungicides and pesticides. Since these chemicals are transformed into estrogen in your body they sap your masculinity, make it more difficult to lose weight and speed up aging.

So what are some things you can do to curb this problem and maintain optimal sexual health? First, start by identifying the foods that are dangerous from your diet and supplanting them with healthy ones. Next, detoxify your body. Each morning start off the day with a glass of warm water with one fresh squeezed lemon added to it. This stimulates the liver and the gall bladder which are the organs responsible for removing toxins from the body. It will help them to expel bile full of toxins that have built up from the day before and overnight. Cut out as much processed sugar as you can. It makes insulin and the blood-sugar level spike in your blood. Cut down on wheat products which curb the production of testosterone in the testes. Increase your intake of vegetables. Veggies are natural detoxifiers. Brussel Sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage—even sauerkraut help clean out the nasty chemicals that have built up in your system. Make sure to get plenty of rest. Exercise regularly, at least 20 to 30 minutes of continuous cardiovascular exercise three times per week. Find ways to manage emotional issues such as stress, depression and anxiety. Look for foods in your supermarket that are GMO free. Make sure you use a water filtration system at home. Limit the amount of dairy you eat and try to select meat that is hormone and antibiotic free. Going the extra mile will ensure you are healthy and that your sexual health is optimal for years to come.

Male Breast Cancer

2014-05-14

Certainly breast cancer is most common in women. But the truth is that men can get it, too (wikihow.com). It is this misconception, that breast cancer is only a female disease that makes it dangerous for men. They don’t think they can get it, ignore the symptoms when they occur and visit a doctor when it is too late, or when treatment is far more severe than it would have been otherwise. The truth is, knowing the symptoms of male breast cancer can save your life, or that of someone you love. So what are they symptoms of male breast cancer? Just like with women, a lump is found in the breast area of the chest. To check for it, lie flat on your back. In this position the muscle tissue of the chest is at its thinnest, so a lump will be easier to detect. Using your three middle fingers on your left hand, begin to examine your right breast. This is done by moving the fingers around in overlapping circular motions. Work slowly from the inside out feeling for any unusual hard lumps. For the muscle and skin mass that is the thinnest, use light pressure when pressing. Increase the pressure’s intensity as you work from thin mass to thicker mass. The firmest pressure should be used on the outside of the breast, closest to the ribs and chest area.

Lots of guys forget to check under the arm. This is a fault, as a lump can just as easily form there. Make sure to check around the breastbone and sternum—the hard bone right in the center of the chest. Don’t ignore the parts near the upper part of the chest and collarbone. Once the one side is complete, begin with the opposite hand on the other side of your chest and use the same procedure. When checking under your arms, examine this area in a standing position. Sitting or standing is recommended. Raise your arm to give yourself total access to that area. Remember that what you are feeling for is an unusual lump. It often doesn’t hurt but you will notice that it feels out of place. You may find other symptoms around the area as well. For instance there may be a puckering or a dimpling of the skin. Your nipple could turn inward or become indented. There even may be a discharge at the nipple area. If you do find a lump, don’t ignore it. Many guys are embarrassed by this. They don’t want to be associated with what is considered a woman’s disease and fear ridicule by friends, coworkers, family members and others. But the truth is that no one who is a considerate human being would do that. Catching cancer early gives you the best chances of success. If you find something, make an appointment with a physician immediately. It just may save your life.

What Women Find Attractive

2014-05-13

Is it a charming personality, a razor wit, a six figure salary, or six pack abs that call the ladies to you? Since the dawn of time men have been trying to figure out what women really find attractive. Now with the help of New York relationship specialist Irina Firstein, LCSW the mystery will finally be solved (knowmore.tv). First, a woman wants to feel safe with her man. She wants to feel supported. Her desire to feel protected by him comes from our Stone Age ancestors. But if she feels like she’s holding him up instead of the other way around, it’s a major turn-off. Most women desire someone who is taller than her and fit physically, to fulfill her need to be protected, to feel safe and cared for. If you aren’t so fit, perhaps make an effort to eat right, fit an exercise regimen into your weekly routine and show her that you want to be around to take care of her. Next, women are generally attracted to success. It’s due to the fact that historically speaking men were the providers. You don’t need to be a vice president in a company or have a tremendous stock portfolio however. It’s true that money and success are attractive to women. But being passionate, having a goal and working toward that goal is just as attractive, provided you communicate these to her and let her feel your commitment and drive.

Women love to talk, that’s no surprise. But our culture actually acculturates men to be the strong, silent type. This is the exact opposite of what a woman wants. Women like guys who truly listen to them, give feedback, sympathize and support them emotionally. One of the most attractive things a guy can do is really listen and validate how she is feeling. One of the things guys have a hard time understanding is when it’s time to give advice and when it is time to merely listen and validate. The best way to do this is to always listen, validate her feelings than ask if she wants any advice. Don’t paper over her emotions with male logic or you will put distance between the two of you. Women love social butterflies. If you have a lot of friends or know how to work a room you will draw them in. Be charming, funny and witty. Many a lady has been charmed into bed by a few well-placed jokes. Be chivalrous and respectful. Open the door for her. Put your hand on the small of her back and lead her into or out of a restaurant. She will notice and it will send electric currents of love straight to her heart. Lastly, women want to be desired. Show her how much you want her and care for her. Woo her. Do things for her. Write her love letters, send her flowers for no reason, and surprise her. Follow this advice and the apple of your eye will soon be part of your ambrosia of love.

An Emotional Hard-on

Remember the days when you were in school, would look down and realize you had a huge hard-on for no reason at all? You prayed that you wouldn’t be called to the board that day. Embarrassing as a surprise erection is, it usually subsides once adolescence is over. Some guys think that as an adult however they only get erect when they see someone they find sexy (askmen.com). But the truth is lots of guys get what is called an emotional hard-on. The first time saying “I love you” with a partner can bring it on. Staring deeply into each other’s eyes may wake up the beast within. Proposing to someone and having them say yes, hearing your partner profess their most profound love, or even finding out that they want to have a family with you can make your soldier stand at attention. Though some guys find it perhaps confusing or slightly worrisome, it’s actually a very natural reaction to an attractive emotional state. One problem however is often women don’t by the sentimental stiffy. Women can be suspicious of it. In fact, they suspect there is another reason for the male member rising to the occasion, which though would make a hilarious Sitcom plot can also put a damper on your love life. It could lead to an argument. There is an old saying that a “Stiff prick knows no conscience.” But this isn’t always true.

Men’s Health Ontario primary physician Dr. John Aquino states that when we consider an erection we have to consider the mind-body connection. Of course blood flow, hormones and other biological reactions have something to do with it. But within two centers of the brain is where it all begins. The temporal cortex, the part that works and evaluates the stimulus of the senses, is a big part of the erection process. You see a gorgeous, half naked person and the temporal cortex gets things into action. The next thing you know you’re saying to yourself, “What’s happening in my pants?” But the second part of the brain, somewhere between the paralimbic area and the frontal cortex also plays a role. These areas are the home of motivation and our emotions. Dr. Aquino said of this “Sometimes a guy can’t get an erection if he has too much on his mind, even if he is looking at something sexual.” If you’ve ever been grieving, extremely anxious or really stressed out, you know this to be true. Of course, just as in class when you were a teen, the opposite can be true too according to Dr. Aquino. “If the emotional center becomes very active for whatever reason or a man is in a very deep state of relaxation, the whole erectile process can get started from this area all by itself even without sexual stimulus. It’s not as common, and it can take a lot of guys by surprise.” Director of the Toronto Institute of Psychoanalysis Don Carveth summed it up this way, “Most psychiatrists agree that human sexuality is 99% in the mind.”

Is Paying for Sex Okay?

It’s considered the oldest profession, and headlines show that it hasn’t gone away. Lots of celebrities from Eddie Murphy to Hugh Grant have been caught with ladies of the evening (askmen.com). The Secret Service too was caught in a high profile media blitz last summer when they found that many agents were enjoying a Columbian high-class call girl service. Prostitution is legal in Columbia. Though American attitudes about sex are changing and in fact have changed, by and large most men in the U.S. are loath to discuss the issue. It’s still considered taboo. A study out of the University of Portland found that around 10% of males in North America have paid for sex. These men are 44.2% less likely to be hitched. If they are married, the results of this study show that they aren’t in a happy marriage. These guys are also kinkier than average and are more open-minded when it comes to bedroom antics. One of the reasons men seek out a lady of the evening is to fulfill certain fantasies they have. Some women prefer not to do certain things. But a call girl will do what is necessary to earn her salary, and to hopefully acquire repeat business. So is paying for sex okay? That depends on a lot of factors. First, where are you emotionally? Some guys take sex very seriously, others not so much. Any guy who has spent even a trivial amount of time at a strip club for instance knows that there is always one guy who thinks the stripper is in love with him. This happens with call girls, too. If you are the type to get emotionally attached then you are setting yourself up for a fall.

Make sure the girl is of a decent quality. Perhaps an escort service that comes recommended. Or spend some time on reputable websites and do some research. Guys have been robbed, blackmailed, and more by hookers. So it pays to invest some time and read reviews should she have some. It goes without saying that protection should always be used. The chances of catching an STD is far higher with a prostitute. In doing your due diligence make sure that she always uses protection. If she offers without, pay her so she doesn’t make a fuss but do not let her service you. You don’t want this one time to make you end up at the doctor’s office, or in the case of HIV/AIDS and herpes, alter your life forever. Keep it quiet. This kind of information, if it gets out, can hurt your career, your relationships with family, friends and perhaps with a significant other. If you are going to a call girl to have a fantasy fulfilled but you are with someone, approach your partner with it first. Don’t do it just because you are embarrassed to approach your romantic partner with one of your fantasies. In fact, it may be a bonding experience, bringing you closer together. But if you are single, have no moral objections and do your homework, it can be a scintillating experience, and a memory you can call up whenever the mood strikes you.

Teen Pregnancies Plunge

2014-05-06

U.S. rates fell more than 50% across all ethnicities from 1990 to 2010, according to a new report from the Guttmacher Institute.

Nationwide, teen pregnancy, birth and abortion rates have plunged, according to a new report from the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive-health research and education organization. From 1990 to 2010, the U.S. pregnancy rate for 15-to-19-year-olds fell by 51%, with approximately 614,000 occurring in 2010.

A drop in pregnancies was seen across racial and ethnic groups, though Hispanic and black teens got pregnant at nearly three times the rate of their white peers. In 1990 the white-teen pregnancy rate was 86.6 per 1,000 vs. 223.8 per 1,000 for black teens. In 2010 the rates had fallen to 37.8 per 1,000 for whites and 99.5 per 1,000 for blacks. Among Hispanic teens, the pregnancy rate fell from a high of 169.7 per 1,000 in 1992 to 83.5 per 1,000 in 2010.

Similarly, there was a 66% decline in abortions from 1998 to 2010, when there were a reported 14.7 abortions per 1,000 women. Teen birthrates fell by 44% from 1991 to 2010, with about 34.4 births per 1,000 women.

“The decline in the teen pregnancy rate is great news,” lead author Kathryn Kost said in a statement. “Other reports had already demonstrated sustained declines in births among teens in the past few years; but now we know that this is due to the fact that fewer teens are becoming pregnant in the first place. It appears that efforts to ensure teens can access the information and contraceptive services they need to prevent unwanted pregnancies are paying off.”

In response to the decline, the vice president of education for Planned Parenthood Leslie Kantorsaid in a statement, “Planned Parenthood is thrilled to see a record low in teen pregnancy rates in this country.”

How to Say what You Like in Bed

Your partner is great, funny, attractive, charming, easy to get along with, and you two have a lot of fun together (askmen.com). But whether they lack experience or you two just aren’t in sync, either way their performance between the sheets is not exactly up to par. This is a difficult matter to address. You don’t want to offend them, hurt their feelings or make them feel inadequate in the bedroom. Do not tell them what they’re doing isn’t right, unless you never want to sleep with them again. But on the other hand you shouldn’t have to endure an unsatisfying time in the bedroom either. The first step is to talk about sex. This is a lot of fun. It should be done with a purpose, but you don’t have to let on what it is. Simply discuss likes, dislikes, fantasies and so on.You don’t have to lay it all out on the table. Let it slowly unfold. But if you talk about what you like, they’ll take note and try it out on you later. By the way, you should do the same for them as well. If you satisfy and fulfill one of their desires, they will feel obliged and enthusiastic about fulfilling and satisfying yours. Another way to address it is to use “I” statements instead of the accusatory you. “I love when you touch me down there with your hand and you do that circular thing. Sometimes it makes me sensitive though and then it hurts when you stroke too hard. Can you be a little more gentle? But I really love how you do that first part.” This also takes a piece from modern management techniques, couching a suggestion in between two compliments.

Play sex games. Have your partner request an act for you to perform and then share your request with them. This is a fun way to get what you want without any negatives attached at all. Another tactic is to talk casually about sex when you two are just hanging out and talk about your technique with them. Do they like how you caress them? Would they prefer slow or quick motions? Do they like their bodies handled roughly or easily? Your lover will feel special that you care so much about pleasing them and it will make them want to ask you the same types of questions, giving you an in without having to broach the subject. If you have preferences, discuss it with them. Most couples enjoy talking about sex together. If your partner’s antennae go up, tell them how you want to experience everything together, since you love them so much. That’ll smooth things over. Make sure you approach the subject in a relaxed, enthusiastic manner. It should be a fun, laid-back approach. Do not use an accusatory tone. If you find that they are starting to get upset, ask why. Let them know that you are only trying to make your sex lives better and more enjoyable. Be open to their suggestions. Put your hand in your partner’s lap, around their shoulder or hold their hand. Make them feel secure, loved and appreciated.

What you learn in your 20’s

2014-05-05

Sure, most guys have a fumbling experience or two in high school and early college. But as you get older you learn more and more (askmen.com). And if you are thoughtful, each experience with someone teaches you something more. Many guys get the most experience when they are in their twenties. This is a time of self-discovery, liberation, meeting and dating lots of new people. It’s normally the time when we sow our wild oats before settling down to a career, marriage and perhaps children. Though we have more freedom of choice today, most guys still take this route. Though they may have to stave off marriage and kids a little longer, most guys seem to go down the same path. Still, those early days when you first got to chase singles sticks with you. Here’s what you learn in your 20’s. In high school we’re really just grateful that we got someone into the sack. It seemed like a heaven-sent miracle. But in your 20’s the mystery starts to wear off. One thing you begin to notice is that some people are bad in bed. They vary from those who just lay there, to those who get overly enthusiastic and call you a litany of curses, making you think they’re possessed. We begin to get a sense of who we really are, by our likes and dislikes in bed. We also get a handle on who can fulfill us and who cannot. Though you should still be thankful a date wants to take you to bed, it may not be you if things don’t go as well as you both hoped.

A lot of younger men and women think that the other should be a mind reader, know instinctually what the other wants. But in our twenties we start to get a handle on the fact that no one is a mind reader. We have to say what we want. Communication, likes and dislikes, the development of dirty talk, looking one another in the eye and even giving directions, of course in a sexy manner, start to develop somewhere in the second decade of one’s life. Lots of guys grow more sexually confident in their 20’s. In their teens they are often shy, blundering and have access to only a small number of partners. But in your 20’s, especially if you go to college, there are all sorts of people around. You have a lot more access, and bedroom slip-ups don’t get around a college campus the same way they do a high school, or in one particular town. It’s in your twenties that you start to explore more. Different positions, giving someone oral using different techniques, fore-play, and the post-coitus cuddle. We jump into so many different beds in our twenties, the most in our lifetime. But those formative years spell out who we are going to be in bed, what we like, what we look for in a mate, a lover, and a long term relationship. The core of our sexual beings is forged in our twenties. But if you are smart, it doesn’t stop there. Instead, you’re always working to shape up and improve your game.

Getting Over a Dry Spell

Though many are embarrassed to admit it, lots of guys go through a dry spell from time-to-time. It’s normal. Sometimes it’s when he gets dumped by someone he really liked. He walks around in a cloud. He’s bitter about relationships. Or he just might need to get his mojo back. There’s trying to cope after a bitter divorce. Then there are those guys who are amazing but people seem to never notice. And the guy who was a catch but got sucked into a career and now has no time to meet anyone. You could have even moved to a new city and just haven’t run into anyone with potential. Whatever your situation, don’t fret. You can and will get over a dry spell and will be overwhelmed with a lover’s affections before you can say “Ah.” First, take notice of where you are right now mentally and physically (care2.com). From the physical standpoint, do you need to take part in a little exercise? Perhaps eat healthier and get more sleep. Try to change up your regime. The truth is, other people want to be with someone attractive as much as you do. Thankfully, men generally aren’t evaluated as strictly. But still, everyone wants to be with someone who takes care of themselves.

Now what about mentally? If you are moping around depressed or anxiety ridden, you aren’t going to look attractive. People are drawn in by confidence, energy and passion. Do not change your personality, but if you are depressed explore why and get some help in managing it, and bringing it under control. What happened recently in your love life? Are you still getting over an ex? If it’s been a couple of months, realize that not every breakup is the same. Some take longer to get over than others. But it’s important to get out there and start fresh, rather than to wallow in self-pity. Make it a point to take stock. See what singles are out there. Who would be into you? Practice flirting. Express confidence. Be relaxed with who you are. Project your better qualities. Are you funny, witty, smart, inspiring or passionate? Let it shine through when interacting with anyone you are interested in. Show them your best side. Dress the part. People love a guy who looks good and smells good. Get yourself some good cologne. Be subtle with it. Don’t go overboard or you’ll turn them off. Elicit friends to set you up on blind dates. Try online dating. Lots of people are on there. You’re bound to find someone into you sooner or later. Find out where the cool places are if you’ve moved to a new city and strike up a conversation with someone who you will have something in common with. It’s all up to you. But don’t sit around waiting for it to happen, get out there and mix it up. It will happen for you.